DaVinci Kalani 4-In-1 Greenguard Gold Certified Convertible Crib

The biggest purchase you’ll make after finding out you’re about to become a parent is a crib.

As the days roll closer to bringing your baby home, you will want to prepare in so many ways. There is quite a bit of design effort put into cribs, and they are drastically different between companies. However, finding the best crib is not just a matter of personal style but also of safety. Discover what the experts are saying along with all the safety features to consider when shopping for that perfect crib for your little love.

Safety first when it comes to researching the best baby crib. Several safety features are required of manufacturers to include when designing a crib. These standards are set by the government based on past recalls and baby sleep studies. Manufacturers must abide by the standards or their product cannot be sold in stores.

To name a few safety standards: There cannot be a bigger gap than 2 3/8 inch between slats and corner posts as it has been determined that any bigger can cause entrapment issues for baby. The corner posts should not be higher than 1/16 inch above the end panels. All hardware should be set in securely without sharp screws or nail heads sticking out. Older, used cribs may pose the risk of lead paint so it is highly recommended to either get a lead test or just skip using an old crib. The mattress needs to be a tight fit so baby can’t get caught between the mattress and the slats. (When in the store looking at cribs, do the two-finger test: If you can fit two fingers side-by-side between the mattress and the slats, you need a bigger mattress than what they’ve got in there). Keep the baby’s crib free from all stuffed animals, bumpers and loose-fitting blankets and sheets.

Kate Desmond, a writer and infant safe-sleep expert as well as mom to two young daughters, has spent an enormous amount of time researching the safest and best products for her kids.

“The most important thing to consider when purchasing your baby’s crib is safety,” she says. “Remember, drop-side cribs are no longer deemed safe, so this is a great reason to say no to heirlooms from your mother-in-law. Mattresses are sold independently of cribs so be sure to select one that fits, leaving no gaps, and cover only with a tight-fitting crib sheet. Remember to keep the crib empty of all blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. Babies under one year of age sleep safest alone, on their back, in their crib.”

After learning the safety regulations and hearing from an expert, you know what to look for and can go shopping. One last thing to consider is the size and style of your nursery as this will determine the crib you buy. If you are tight on space, you can consider a combination crib and changing table in one, like the Delta Children Emery Deluxe 6-In-1 Convertible Crib, Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Toddler Convertible Crib, Graco Storkcraft Benton 4-In-1 Convertible Crib or the Dream On Me Aden 4-In-1 Convertible Mini Crib.

All of these cribs will be a beautiful addition to a darling nursery of any style.

• The safest cribs are usually the simplest. Find a crib that doesn’t have drop sides or fancy bed knobs on the corners.
• Buying new is best because it is more likely that it is up to safety standards.
• Bring a ruler with you to measure the spaces between the slats when you shop.
• Baby crib mattresses are also an item to buy new. Many have been recalled for being too soft. Also, when you buy new, you can buy one that fits super snug into your crib with no spaces on any side.
• Put tight-fitting sheets on your crib.
• “Most modern cribs require some assembly,” says Desmond, “Just make sure you follow the directions and ask an expert for help when needed.”
• For the mother’s healing and safety as well as the baby’s safety, you should pay attention to the level of height of the crib mattress. Most cribs have three levels to help parents reach the baby in the early stages but keep a growing baby safe from climbing out later on in their development.
• Immediately stop using a crib if you notice baby attempting to climb out.